Post-operative glove

ABSTRACT

A specially designed three-pronged Post Operative Glove (a POG), primarily for use in covering bandaging and casts, as well as IVs and PICs, together with a specially designed material thickness and embossing treatment, together with a securing means at its open distal end, as well as a special water-absorbent material positioning and securing means.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the provision of a useful water/dirtprotective glove for use by medical patients after they have had finger,hand, wrist, elbow, and/or arm, medical procedures and/or surgeries, aswell as to the provision of a useful water/dirt protective glove for usein general protection of IVs, PICs, and the like when showering and/orwhen in a location subject to dirt/dust or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

After undergoing hand surgery, such as carpal tunnel, or the like,patients typically have limited use of their hands via the medicaldoctor's application of bulky bandaging over the affected hand, orhands, immediately after surgery, which bandaging typically remains inplace for at least some period of days during the recovery process.Similarly, when one's finger or thumb (herein all referred to asdigits), hand, wrist, arm, and/or elbow, has undergone surgery and/orstitching, casting, or the like, the affected areas are typically one ofbandaged and cast. Such bandaging and casts typically also need toremain dry and dirt free until removed. Keeping the affected area dryduring showering and/or during use of liquids, as well as keeping theaffected area free of dirt, is generally medically necessary andadvantageous.

Therefore, a means of assisting in alleviating the resulting difficultyin at least one of bathing/showering, in wiping after a bowl movement,and other activities involving liquids and/or dirt, in conjunction withthe need for improved gripping ability, all while keeping thebandaging/casting around the injury dry and dirt free in an affordableand highly efficient manner would be helpful and advantageous.

Although after hand, arm, or the like, surgery, bandaging is generallynot placed over one's fingers, the bulky bandaging generally remains inplace at least for several days, or more. During this subject portion ofthe recovery period, patients are typically instructed not to get thebandaging wet or dirty. Generally, patients are told to place a plasticbag over the affected area while showering/bathing to prevent water fromreaching the bandaging and/or underlying affected area of the body.Bathing/showering with a plastic bag, or the like, being placed over thebandaging/cast of the affected area, which typically also includes thebag being placed over the entire hand, impairs the use of one's fingersand normal gripping ability. Further, difficulty in personal hygieneduring/after toilet use is encountered for the same reasons.

Prior art discloses multiple techniques for securing the open end of abag type protective enclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,286 toKelly, et al., teaches the use of a bag/sack-like enclosure that has anopen end sealed by means of an adhesive strip. However, if water shouldleak through the adhesive strip, there is nothing to prevent the waterfrom reaching the actual area to be protected.

As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,151 to Rankin, et al., disclosesa bag type enclosure for a hand/arm, which bag's open distal end awayfrom the end of the fingers has a stretchable plastic strap, which iswrapped around the open end of the bag surrounding the patient's arm,which stretched plastic strap is secured in place with a pressuresensitive adhesive (a tape). The problem with such an open end sealingdesign is that the stretched plastic strap can likely only be used onetime with its best efficiency, and when it is removed, it must either becut off or super-stretched, so as to potentially impair optimumadditional use of the plastic strap material, as plastic (absent aspecified and specialized type) is typically not resilient afterstretching. Further, since the band material is an unspecified specialtystretchable plastic, it is unlikely there will be a very strongconsistent compression so as to accommodate arm/muscle movement, whichcould result in water leakage into the intended protected area. Also, ifwater should leak through the plastic strap, there is nothing to preventthe water from reaching the actual area to be protected.

Also, and somewhat similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,287 to Jernoiu, aprotective covering with an elastic (a manmade plastic type material)strap is taught to provide protection against water intrusion into aprotected area, which protective covering may have a securable typestrap on one end if a bag type protective covering, or on both ends ifthe protective cover has two open ends. Jernoiu secures his straps withone of Velcro and a buckle. However the need for securing his strapswith one of Velcro and a buckle clearly indicates the straps themselves,even if comprised of an unspecified elastic material, are not sufficientfor providing an adequate seal, and the Velcro and/or buckle impose anextra cost for the patient. Jernoiu also teaches the interior of theprotected area may be inflated so as to keep the protective coveringaway from the wound. This is an extra inconvenient step for the patient.

However, a stretchable elastic type plastic, even if made of anelastomer such as polyurethane, generally does not have a highresiliency unless a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)material is specified and utilized (which is neither disclosed nortaught by Jernoiu). Further, such an elastomer (unless a stretchablethermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material is specified and utilized) islikely not to provide a very strong consistent compression so as toaccommodate arm/muscle movement, which could result in water leakageinto the intended protected area. Also, as with Rankin's disclosure, ifwater should leak through the plastic strap, there is nothing to preventthe water from reaching the actual area to be protected.

An alleged improved design over that of only an elastic type plasticband for sealing the open end(s) of a protective covering is taught inU.S. Pat. No. 5,592,953 to Delao. Delao also discloses the use ofelastic sealing sections at the open end, but teaches the use of anelastic section comprised of an elastic drawstring that circumscribes acushioning resilient layer, such as foam rubber. However, the purpose ofDelao's foam rubber is to permit his drawstring to adjust to differingpatient arm circumferential diameters via his drawstring compressing theprotective covering's pre-attached inner resilient layer (form rubber)against the patient's appendage. Delao does not teach the use of astretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material for sealing theopen end of the glove, and does not teach that the inner resilient layershould be comprised of a water-absorbent material. Thus, should anywater get through the seal, which could easily be comprised of aclosed-cell and non-water absorbent foam rubber (water absorbent foamrubber is not specified by Delao), there is nothing to prevent the waterfrom reaching the actual protected area. Further, The process ofpre-attaching foam rubber, or the like, to the interior end portion of aprotective covering, as well as pre-attaching drawstrings, is a costlyendeavor, which creates an impediment to patient affordability for theproduct. Again, the use of elastic sealing sections poses a concern, inthat an elastic material generally does not have a high resiliency(unless it is a specified stretchable thermoplastic polyurethanematerial, as disclosed for use herein), and is likely not to provide avery strong consistent compression and/or an effective and goodre-useable compression so as to enable the glove to be used more thanonly one time.

However, use of a stretchable subject thermoplastic polyurethanematerial (TPU), as disclosed and taught herein, does to provide a verystrong consistent compression and/or an effective and good re-useablecompression so as to enable the glove and/or protective covering to beused more than only one time.

A stretchable material may also be comprised of a silicon type material(also not taught by either Jernoiu or Delao), but such a material istypically more costly than thermoplastic polyurethane and is thereforenot preferable over the use of a TPU material for the subject purposes,as it inhibits patient affordability.

The three primary objectives for wound/bandaging protection for patientsare: first, that they keep water and/or dirt away from the protectedarea of concern; second, that the protective apparatus be relativelyinexpensive and affordable; and third, that as much dexterity andnatural use as possible be provided to the protected appendage and/orhand/fingers.

Extensive testing has indicated that, no matter what elastic typeopen-end seal is utilized for a protective covering, some amount ofwater leakage is virtually inevitable, only with the possible exceptionthat the elastic seal (or any other type open-end seal, such as anadhesive strip, a tied string/cord, drawstrings, or the like) is appliedso tightly that blood flow could be impaired and/or that the patient isuncomfortable, which is counter-productive and can impose other healthrelated hazards and/or unnecessary pain. Further, as explained, generalelastic type open-end seals are generally not as effective as acorrectly sized, stretchable, thermoplastic polyurethane seal, as otherelastic type plastic materials generally tend to lose their restrictiveand resilient qualities once stretched the first time and/or are moreexpensive (a negative), and generally do not have the resiliency of astretchable thermoplastic polyurethane seal.

Also, while early testing indicated a rubber band material may providethe stretchable qualities preferred for use in a protective glove, asdisclosed herein, it has been found that rubber tends to deterioratefaster than stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane under warmconditions, such as in storage in the summer, etc., when temperaturesare in the 100 F, plus, range. Further, handling of a rubber band maypose a hazard to a patient with latex allergies, which is avoided by useof a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane band.

In an effort to overcome such seal leakage and blood flow restrictionconcerns when using a flexible tape as part of the open end securingdesign, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,203 to Liman, it is taught that asponge-like elastomeric foam layer is pre-attached to the interiorportion of a protective bag near the mouth (open end) of the bag, andthat a flexible tape is then wrapped around the exterior of the bag.Liman alleges the foam band grips the exposed skin of the limb andprevents the protective covering from slipping or moving in a manner soas to avoid any tight binding requirement that could constrict bloodflow. However, pre-attaching an elastomeric foam layer to the interiorof the bag near its open end, as well as pre-attaching a tape to the bagfor wrapping (not to mention Liman's bag inflating provisions when thefoam layer may be comprised of a closed-cell and non-water absorbentfoam), is costly, and materially increases the cost of the bag to thepatient (a negative). Unfortunately, water can still potentially leakunderneath a closed-cell foam layer near/at the protective coveringbag's open mouth. Further, as can be readily seen in Liman's FIG. 2, hisfoam layer, even if constructed of an open cell foam (Liman's 18), isdirectly at the top of the bag's open mouth (Liman's 14), it is shownwith only a relatively modest, unspecified, width, (see Liman's 18 inhis FIG. 2) and is therefore susceptible to immediately absorbing, andbecoming saturated with, water. If water is absorbed in sufficientamounts, which is likely when showering, etc., the absorbed water wouldsaturate the open cell foam layer and could then continue on into theprotective covering bag (Liman's 10) itself and potentially reach thearea to be protected. Thus, while it is likely that Liman's invention,even though costly, would keep out most of the water duringbathing/showering, it may not keep sufficient amounts of water fromleaking into the bag and reaching the area to be protected. Further, ofcourse, Liman's protective bag affords zero multi-finger gripping useand dexterity.

To only a modestly lesser cumbersome extent, the use of a mitten typeglove made of a waterproof material is also known. Such a mitten typewaterproof glove, unlike a plastic bag, has a separate extension for thethumb, with the rest of the four fingers being enclosed in a singleenclosure. As a somewhat recent example, see US 20100305485 A1 toGaffney. Mitten type waterproof gloves are not new. Therefore Gaffenyfocused on a means to protect water intrusion at the open end of theglove via teaching the use of a common elastic band (not specified asbeing a TPU band) at the open end of the glove, but with one or tworubberized bands looped over the elastic band and fitted within one ortwo troughs provided in the glove near the elastic band. However, whileaffording a separate thumb, all four fingers remained having to beinserted into a single enclosure. Thus, while griping ability wasslightly improved over that of a single waterproof enclosure intended tocover all fingers and the thumb, the use of multi-finger and thumb, viathree separate prongs/extensions (one prong/extension for the last twofingers, one prong/extension for the first two fingers, and oneprong/extension for the thumb) remained unavailable for gripping.

A three-pronged gripping ability (for soap, washrags, or other), asdisclosed herein by Applicant, is superior over that of only atwo-pronged gripping ability, as three prongs provide one-third morepoints of gripping contact than that afforded by a mitten type glove,which mitten type glove only has two gripping points of contact (a firstsingle enclosure gripping point for the thumb, and a second singleenclosure gripping point for all other four fingers combined).

Further, Gaffeny provided no means of protecting the bandaging/castingin the event some water should slip through the rubberized bands loopedover the elastic bands, and neither the full material make-up nor thesizing of the rubberized band was described in any detail so as toinsure an appropriate and effective seal. For example, some rubberizedbands would be too small to fit over bandaging/casting, or the like,without breaking, other rubberized bands would be too large to provideadequate compression to seal out water. Also, even if properly sized,typical/common rubberized bands have too small a width to provideoptimum security against water intrusion. Thus, a detailed stretchableband sizing is necessary (which Gaffeny neither discloses nor teaches)that provides an appropriate stretchable band size, length, width so asto both fit over bandaging/casting and to provide an effective sealagainst water and/or dirt intrusion.

Further, simply referencing a rubberized band does not describe with anysufficient detail the actual type of preferable rubber to be utilized inthe band. For example, is rubber to be interwoven with elastic or someother material to form the band? Is the band to be constructed ofnatural rubber only? Is the rubber to be coagulated with acid (a commonpractice) so it can be made malleable so it can be shaped and formed?Even if the rubber band is coagulated or interwoven, as previouslymentioned, at warm/high temperatures rubber could lose its strength andeasily break and/or become impaired. Lastly, Gaffeny does not teach thathis rubberized band should be treated with an ultraviolet (UV)protective additive, which, absent such protection disclosure, wouldrender his rubberized bands brittle and useless in a relatively shortperiod when exposed to direct sunlight.

Therefore, to more effectively and efficiently serve as a bag and/orglove type open-end sealant, a band should preferably be comprised of astretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, which preferablyalso has an ultra-violet (UV) protective additive. This providesadvantages in both initial use and glove re-use applications, as well ascost advantages via keeping the total glove cost lower and moreaffordable for patients than other various designs. Further, the use ofa TPU stretchable band eliminates potentially serious latex allergyconcerns, which would otherwise be present whenever a rubberized bandwas used. The UV protective additive has been found necessary to inhibitpremature deterioration and/or impairment of the TPU material if exposedto sunlight, or the like.

Preferable dimensions, with all dimensions disclosed herein being inmillimeters (mm) unless otherwise designated, for such a stretchable TPUband, which dimensions are not disclosed by any of the aforesaid patentsfor any type of stretchable band, to be used as an open-end sealingmeans for a water-resistant glove would be comprised of the followingpreferable design size: a TPU band with an un-stretched width of 5 to 10mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wallthickness of 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least300 mm long without breaking. Further, the TPU band should preferably beboth Ultra Violet (UV) light resistant and should preferably be able towithstand temperatures of at least 110 Fahrenheit (F).

Various prior art focuses on securing the open end of a waterproofprotective covering for bandaging or casting. For example, see U.S. Pat.No. 5,342,286 to Kelly and Jenkins; see U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,287 toJernoiu; and see U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,501 to George, where the use of avacuum seal (which is time-consuming for the consumer to implement anduse) for a protective covering is disclosed. However, no known prior artteaches the use of a protective glove designed to both protectbandaging/casing from moisture/dirt/liquid and to simultaneously provideimproved gripping ability via the use of three gripping prongs,comprised of one prong/segment for the first and second fingers, withanother prong/segment for the third and fourth fingers, and with a thirdprong/segment for the thumb, especially with all such prongs/segmentsbeing respectively sized large enough to accommodate a bandaged and/orcast finger and/or thumb. Further, the provision of a vacuum seal for aprotective covering is time-consuming and costly to manufacture, and istherefore disadvantageously more expensive and costlier for the consumerto obtain/purchase.

While there are multitudes of prior art disclosures regarding aprotective covering for bandaged and/or cast appendages, with numerousmeans to close/seal the open distal end of such protective coverings, noknown prior art teaches a single open-end protective covering means thatis relatively inexpensive; easy to use; can protect heavilybandaged/cast single digits; that is highly efficient at preventingwater/liquid/dirt intrusion into the bandaging and/or casting area; andthat simultaneously affords three-pronged gripping abilities and/ordexterity. Also, no known prior art teaches how such an affordable andhighly efficient protective covering against moisture and/or dirt forone's fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, arm, IV and/or PIC is to beadequately dimensioned so as to both accommodate varyingbandaging/casting applications (in addition to optionally affordingprotection for IVs and PICs), all while simultaneously affording ease ofapplication and dexterity. An IV is the common abbreviation for anIntravenous Fluid regulator, and a PIC is the common abbreviation for aPeripherally Inserted Catheter (commonly inserted in the upper arm abovethe elbow).

While certain glove design dimensions are taught for patient hand andarm protection while showering and bathing in U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,148 B1to Ballantyne, et al, the glove dimensions taught by Ballantyne aregenerally not well-suited for a patient with a hand and/or arm that hasbeen bandaged and/or cast. For example, Ballantyne claims a glove havinga central axis of between 12 and 18 inches (only 30.48 to 45.72 cm).Such a relatively short glove length, while sometimes sufficient forprotecting a hand and/or a short arm portion (perhaps with only a cut oran abrasion, or only with stitching, or the like, but without anysignificant bandaging and/or casting), is generally of an insufficientlength for adequately protecting bandaged and/or cast hands and/or armsand/or PICs. Further, for example, Ballantyne teaches an unnecessarilylong, and un-tapered, thumb length of about 3 inches (7.62 cm) and anunnecessarily long, and un-tapered, index finger length of about 5inches (12.7 cm), which, in a significant majority of all cases, resultsin useless thumb/index finger glove tip ends that extend beyond the tipend of one's actual thumb and index finger, which useless, protruding,and floppy thumb/index finger glove portion ends can actually impairone's gripping abilities and/or dexterity.

Additionally, Ballantyne neglects to teach that there should be anapproximate one-half centimeter distance between the base of one or morefinger digits, so as to facilitate common natural hand finger separationdesign (as disclosed by Applicant herein), so as to even furtherfacilitate a more natural, comfortable, and useful protective glove fitfor the fingers of the hand, especially in conjunction with thethree-pronged gripping ability as disclosed by Applicant herein (whichthree-pronged gripping ability is not taught by Ballantyne). Also, viathe provision of four separate finger enclosures, Ballantyne'sdisclosure is likely not able to provide adequate glove finger width foran individual finger that is heavily bandaged/cast, which concern isresolved by means of the amply wide respective two finger combinedspaces provided by the Applicant herein.

Ballantyne further teaches the glove material should be comprised of aclear polyethylene, with a thickness of between 0.003 inches (0.0762 mm)and 0.012 inches (0.3048 mm). To the contrary, as hereinafter more fullydiscussed and disclosed, the glove material should be comprised of athinner polyethylene, having a preferable thickness of between 0.05 and0.07 mm. The subject thinner glove material thickness disclosed byApplicant is rugged enough to help prevent tearing when installed overplaster casts or other materials, and also enables the glove to beplaced on and off for multiple applications as needed. Additionally, thethicker clear polyethylene material disclosed by Ballantyne is morecumbersome, stiffer, more rigid, thicker, and has a more bulky andheavier wall that a patient has to deal with than the thinner walledpolyethylene material disclosed by Applicant herein. A glove with aheavier/greater wall thickness than that disclosed by the Applicantherein is also costlier to manufacturer. This is due both to requiringmore polyethylene material and to requiring a longer time to dry andcool on the manufacturing mold, resulting in a disadvantageous greatercost to the consumer.

Further, the polyethylene material should preferably be comprised ofvirgin polyethylene (not disclosed by Ballantyne) so as to insure ahigh-quality glove polyethylene material that is less subject to otherpotential problems sometimes encountered by polyethylene that is notspecified to be virgin polyethylene. A “clear” polyethylenespecification, as disclosed by Ballantyne, is not a “virgin”polyethylene specification. Also, the exterior of the polyethylene glovematerial should be embossed, as subsequently taught and disclosed hereinby Applicant in more detail, to help protect the glove's exteriorsurface from being as slippery, so as to further assist in grippingability. Embossing the exterior of such a moisture/dirt protectivepolyethylene glove is also not taught by Ballantyne.

As used herein by the Applicant, the term “glove,” means a moisture/dirtprotective covering/enclosure for a finger, a hand, a wrist, an elbow,an arm, an IV, a PIC, or the like.

Gloves with certain design aspects, including an improved means ofsealing the open upper distal end of such a glove against water/liquidand/or dirt intrusion, in both an economically viable and highlyefficient manner, particularly so as to accommodate the protection ofbandaging and/or casts after any surgery and/or medical treatment(herein referred to as “post-operative”, or Post-Op” treatment) thatrequires one to keep the bandaging and/or casts dry and/or clean for anyspecified period of time, and that incorporates a three point digitgripping ability, are herein referred to and/or defined as and/or called“Post-Operative Gloves”, and/or “Post-Op Gloves”, and/or “POGs”.

The use of such a protective Post-Op Gloves, or POGs, as more fullydisclosed herein, to protect against water and/or dirt intrusion onto orinto an affected area and/or onto or into bandaging/casting aftermedical treatment would also preferably incorporate a protective glovematerial that rarely caused allergic reactions to a patent's skin andthat was preferably recyclable and environmentally friendly, such aspolyethylene as an example. This is all in addition to the POGpreferably: being relatively inexpensive; being sufficiently strong toresist being easily torn; being sufficiently strong to be repeatedlyutilized; not being constructed of a glove material thickness that istoo great so as to increase costs and/or so as to impair flexibility anddexterity; not having a completely smooth and slippery surface; andhaving a three-point digit gripping ability.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A means of improving gripping abilities and dexterity when one has atleast one of a bandaged and/or cast hand, finger, arm, or the like, inat least one of bathing/showering, in wiping after a bowl movement, andin other activities involving liquids and/or dirt, as well a means ofkeeping at least one of a hand, finger, arm, or the like, bandagingand/or cast, as well as an IV and/or a PIC, dry and dirt-free, all in anaffordable, generally safe, and highly efficient manner is provided bythe provision of a specially designed glove, which, as related, areherein referred to as “Post-Operative Gloves” and/or as “Post-OpGloves™” and/or as “POG™”, as mentioned above.

Such a Post-Op Glove, would preferably have an expanded hand and forearmsection area that can easily fit over bandaging/casts and/or IVs and/orPICs, but which specially designed protective glove would also havethree extended prong/segment gripping points for digits, with a firstextended segment for a thumb, with a second extended segment for thefirst two fingers adjacent to the thumb, and with a third extendedsegment for the last two fingers. The three extended prongs/segments ofthe glove would each be respectively large enough to accommodatebandaging and casting of the affected digit (a finger and/or a thumb).While the three extended prongs/segments would not provide as tight afit as normal glove finger/thumb extensions for each individual digit,the subject three-pronged digit containment glove design wouldaccommodate most bandaged/cast fingers or thumbs, all while providingmore gripping ability than only a two extended prong/segment glove, suchas a mitten type glove. A mitten type glove only has a single thumbextended segment and one other single and larger extended segment forcontaining all four fingers, thereby affording only two gripping points.

Further, such a special three extended prong/segment Post-OP Glove wouldpreferably extend along one's arm for a sufficient distance/length so asto fully cover all potential elbow/arm bandaging/casting, as well asPICs (which are normally placed above the elbow) during ashowering/bathing process, or the like. A sufficient overall completedPOG length, for example, so as to accommodate most adult persons wouldpreferably be comprised of a distance of 80 centimeters (cm), or 800 mm,from the outermost finger tip point of the glove to the open distal endof the glove along the arm (the end opposite the fingers). Optionally,the 80 cm, or 800 mm, glove length could be plus or minus 15 cm, or 150mm, with an optional range length of 80 cm, or 800 mm being sufficientto cover most taller individuals. In addition to the said preferableoverall POG length, which affords adequate length for most broken arms,broken elbows, and for most PICs, an additional 3 cm, or 30 mm, plus orminus 1 cm, or 10 mm, in POG length should preferably be provided inorder to make a loop at the distal open end perimeter of the POG, whichloop would encase a stretchable band, such as a TPUstretchable/constrictive band, to be used for initial securing of thedistal open end perimeter of the POG around one's arm.

A sufficient glove width below the fingers and extending the full lengthof the glove, so as to accommodate most adult persons, would preferablybe comprised of a width of 21 centimeters (cm), or 210 mm. Optionally, awidth distance range of between 17 cm to 25 cm (170 mm to 250 mm) wouldbe acceptable.

A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the thumb would be40 mm at the tip, before rounding, and 60 mm at the base where thesegment intersects with the side of the glove extending downwardly 65 mmfrom the bottom of the extended prong/segment for the first two fingersclosest to the thumb.

A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the first twofingers would be 109 mm at the base, before extending upwardly 65 mm onthe side closest to the thumb, and extending upwardly 85 mm on the sideclosest to the prong/segment for the last two fingers, with a top widthof 55 mm extending from the side closest to the prong segment for thelast two fingers, from which point the glove is rounded down to the 65mm distance on the side closet to the thumb.

There would be a gap of between 1 mm and 10 mm between the prong/segmentfor the first two fingers and the prong/segment for the last twofingers, with a rounded gap bottom.

A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the last twofingers would be 100 mm at the base, before extending upwardly 55 mm onthe outside of the glove opposite the thumb, and extending upwardly 80mm on the side closest to the prong/segment for the first two fingers,with a top width of 50 mm extending from the side closest to the prongsegment for the first two fingers, from which point the glove is roundeddown to the 55 mm distance on the outside of the glove opposite thethumb.

An improved means of sealing the open upper end (the end opposite thefingers) of such a three-pronged Post-Op Glove type protective glove inboth an affordable and a highly efficient manner would also be helpfuland advantageous. Such a special open-end Post-Op Glove sealing meanswould encompass a means that is simultaneously affordable (relativelyinexpensive), that easy for the patient to use, and that is highlyefficient at keeping water/dirt away from the bandaging and/or castand/or IV and/or PIC, or the like.

It should be noted that there are many types of cast covers and/or opendistal glove end securing means disclosed in prior art. However, simplyshowing a drawing of a glove over a cast and/or bandaging, and thendescribing an open glove distal end securing method, is insufficientinformation to actually manufacture an optimum use and relativelylow-cost protective glove in a meaningful manner. Also, in prior art,there are various protective glove disclosures with accommodation forindividual fingers, but, as mentioned, gloves with individual fingersare likely unable to allow room for a heavily bandaged/cast finger. Nosize specifications for any such individual finger gloved accommodationshave been observed by the Applicant herein, without resulting in bulky,cumbersome, and significantly oversized hand/finger lengths and/orwidths for most people.

Also, for a good and/or improved gripping ability via utilization of thesubject three prongs for the respective digits as disclosed herein, theapplication of a flexible band around the outside of the glove, as nearto the wrist area as reasonably possible, would be preferable, inconjunction with the glove being pulled as snugly as possible againstthe respective tips of the digits (whether or not the digits arebandaged) within the three respective prongs, immediately prior to theapplication of the flexible band near the wrist area. The flexible bandshould preferably be comprised of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)material so as to eliminate latex allergy concerns via use of a standardrubber band.

In multiple prior art disclosures attempting to seal the open distal endof a protective glove, there is generally always some chance of somewater infiltration into the interior portion of the glove, absentextreme measures and/or potential adverse consequences. As an example,in U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,290 B2 to Treadway Fancher, the use multiplebands of elastic around the open distal end of a protective coveringwere taught, so that if water got through a first elastic band, it wouldtheoretically be stopped by a second elastic band. However, if water canget through a first elastic band, it can also get through a secondelastic band. Also, elastic bands are generally not nearly as effectiveand resilient as correctly designed and sized TPU bands. Hence, whilethe sealing means of Treadway Fancher might keep out a majority of waterinfiltration, it affords no protective means to prevent any water thatmay infiltrate both elastic bands from reaching bandaging and/or castingthat must be kept dry, as does the Applicant's disclosure herein. TheApplicant's disclosure herein incorporates an easilyfastened/secured/tensioned moisture absorbent and protective materiallayer to be placed at a location on the arm within the interior of theglove before any moisture and/or dirt intrusion could reach the affectedarea requiring protection.

As another example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,038 A to Orange and Boardman,a water-absorbent material is placed around a limb or extremity beneatha waterproof outer cover, so as to theoretically absorb any waterintrusion into the interior of the waterproof outer cover. However,while most of any intruding water might be absorbed, the subjectdisclosure of Orange and Boardman does not provide a means to insurethat all intruding water will be absorbed. This is because Orange andBoardman have no provision for any exterior tension around theirwater-absorbent material, which leaves room for potential (and likely)small open areas for moisture to run through to thebandaging/cast/protected area. To the contrary, the Applicant hereindiscloses an exterior tension provision (via a TPU stretchable band, orthe like) that is placed directly over and completely around thewater-absorbent/protective material surrounding the arm within theinterior of the glove, so as to both easily secure the protectivematerial and to prevent moisture and/or dirt from leaking through anyotherwise un-tensioned area with a potential opening, however small.Thus, in the disclosure of Orange and Boardman, there is nothing toprevent water (some of which is anticipated by Orange and Boardman tointrude through their waterproof cover distal end sealing means) fromtraveling along the interior side of the waterproof outer cover, in andalong a potentially open space, no matter how small, between theinterior side of the waterproof outer cover and the exterior outer sideof the water absorbent material, which water could therefore potentiallyreach and adversely infiltrate bandaging and/or casting. Such potentialwater intrusion reaching bandaging/casting is remedied by theteaching/disclosure of Applicant herein.

Further, in the disclosure of Orange and Boardman, there is nothing todescribe minimum necessary widths and/or minimum necessary thicknessesof their water-absorbent material. Consequently, if only a very narrowand/or only a very thin water-absorbent material were to be utilized, itcould quickly become fully water-saturated and water could then continueon to the area supposed to be kept dry. In order to remedy thisuncertainty and guesswork as to a minimum necessary width and/orthickness of an appropriately sized water-absorbent material, a minimumwidth of about two inches (50.8 mm), and a minimum thickness of aboutone-eighth inch (3.175 mm) for a water-absorbent material is disclosedherein.

Further, all POGs should preferably be embossed so as to improvegripping abilities and so as to eliminate an otherwise slicker plasticsurface. While embossing is a process typically utilized for raisinglettering, or the like, it may also be effected via the provision ofraised dots, raised lines/ribbing, or the like, on the surface of thebasic plastic/polyethylene POG material, so as to facilitate theprovision of a less slippery surface, which is very important for POGpatient applications (especially during showering/bathing, or the like).Embossing does not change the basic and primary plastic materialthickness of the POG, but, when the now raised dots, or the like, areincluded in the fabricated/embossed elevation from bottom to top, thenew embossed elevation will be increased, typically by a factor of abouttwo to one for a POG material with a primary plastic material thicknessof 0.05 to 0.07 mm. Further, such POG material embossing is not nearlyas time-consuming a process as annealing, and can be provided atrelatively minimal additional costs. Thus, embossing POG glove materialis very advantageous from a both safety provision aspect, in helping toprevent an otherwise very slick glove outer surface, and in facilitatingpatient/user gripping abilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a protective Post-Op Glove that has threeextended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with asecond extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb,and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers. The threeextended segment glove would have three respective segments that areeach large enough to accommodate bandaging and casting of the affecteddigit, together with an open distal end glove securing means to preventmost water and/or dirt intrusion into the area to be protected, and witha specially designed secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protectionmeans to prevent minor amounts of water/liquid/dirt that might getthrough the initial open glove securing means from reaching thebandaging/casting and/or other area to be protected within the gloveitself. Glove use instructions are also provided.

FIG. 2 shows a POG, with preferable dimensions described in millimeters(mm).

FIG. 3 shows a simulated un-annealed POG segment, which is weaker,adjacent to a simulated annealed POG segment, which is stronger.

FIG. 4 shows a simulated un-embossed POG segment adjacent to simulatedembossed POG segments, which embossed segments afford enhanced strengthand enhanced gripping abilities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplatedmode of carrying out the subject matter disclosed herein. Thedescription is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely forthe purpose of illustrating the general principles of this subjectmatter. The various features and advantages of the present disclosuremay be more readily understood with reference to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. None ofthe drawings are drawn to scale.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer tolike parts or elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a top view, not drawnto any scale, of a protective Post-Op Glove (POG) 1 that has threeextended segments 2, 3, and 4: with a first extended segment 2 for athumb 5; with a second extended segment 3 for the first two fingers 6and 7 adjacent to the thumb 5; and with a third extended segment 4 forthe last two fingers 8 and 9. The POG's 1 three respective segments, 2,3, and 4, are each respectively large enough to accommodate bandagingand/or casting 10 of the affected areas, with a POG 1 outer perimeterexpanded area 11 (shown by broken lines) large enough to easily slideover bandaging and/or casting 10, IVs 12, and PICCs 13, or the like. Theseparation distance between the second extended segment 3 and the thirdextended segment 4 should preferably be between 0.5 mm and one mm, whichis a small enough separation distance (with the said separation distancebeing taken away from the overall combined POG 1 width across bothextended segments, 3 and 4) to permit adequate room for bandaging andcasts 10 in either or both of the extended segments 3 and 4, but whichis large enough to permit ease of manufacturing and removal of the POG 1from its factory production mold. For perspective, a normal sized hand14 (with fingers 6, 7, 8, and 9, and a thumb 5) is shown within theouter perimeter expanded area 11 by a solid line in the shape of anormal sized hand 14, together with an arm extension 15.

When there is a bandaged/cast 10 digit, such as a fourth (little) finger9, as an example, the POG's 1 three respective extended segments, 2, 3,and 4 facilitate gripping and dexterity to a much greater extent thanthat of a common mitten type glove.

A securing means/material 16 (indicated herein by a bracketed area 16)is shown as being provided at/near/along the open distal end 17 of thePOG 1. The securing means/material 16 could be comprised of tape, ofelastic, or the like, but would preferably be comprised of a stretchablethermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) band, or the like, 18 enclosed withinthe extreme open distal end 17 of the POG 1. Preferably, the securingmeans/material 16 would be comprised of a first stretchable TPU band 18,or the like, so that tension is always maintained around the patient'sarm during arm and/or muscle movement. Such a preferable normaladult-sized first TPU band 18 (as well as all other TPU bandshereinafter discussed and shown, such as TPU bands 20, 21, and 22) wouldhave an un-stretched width of five to ten mm, an un-stretched length ofbetween ninety to one hundred and ten mm, an un-stretched wall thicknessof one to three mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least threehundred mm long without breaking. The first stretchable TPU band 18 (aswell as all other TPU bands hereinafter discussed and shown, such as TPUbands 20, 21, and 22) would preferably have an ultraviolet (UV)resistant additive so as to prevent premature damage and/orstrength/quality impairment when exposed to sunlight, or the like, andwould preferably be able to withstand temperatures of at least onehundred and ten degrees F.

When a first TPU band, or the like, 18 is used as a securingmeans/material 16, the first TPU band 18 would preferably be securedwithin a small distal open end looped-over segment 23 of the POG 1, withthe looped-over segment 23 containing the first TPU band 18 within theloop 23, and with the first TPU band 18 being secured within the loop 23by means of sewing and/or gluing and/or heat fusion, or the like 24.Generally, an additional three mm length would be added to the primaryPOG 1 preferable overall total length so as to provide an additionaladequate length for the loop 23 containing the first TPU band 18.

All adult-sized stretchable TPU bands, or the like, discussed and shownherein 18, 20, 21, and 22, with dimensions as explained hereinabove,would have appropriately and proportionately shorter lengths and/orsizes for smaller sized POG 1 applications, such as for children, forexample, and would have proportionately longer lengths and/or othersizes for larger sized POG 1 applications.

It is also important that the POG 1 itself be comprised of a materialthat protects against water and/or dirt intrusion, that is waterproof,that rarely caused allergic reactions to a patient's skin, that isrecyclable, and that is both inexpensive and relatively strong, rugged,and durable. Such a preferable material would be comprised of a virginpolyethylene (plastic type) waterproof material, having a wall thicknessof between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm. Optionally, a wall thickness of between0.05 mm and 0.065 mm will typically be sufficient and will alsoadvantageously save some small amount of curing and drying time on thePOG 1 manufacturing mold. Such a specified and/or optional lesser wallthickness expedites the manufacturing/production process and reducestime/costs by decreasing curing and/or drying time otherwise necessaryfor thicker, and more costly, heavier walled plastic/polyethylene.

Regarding processing of the basic and primary plastic POG 1 material,two specific processes will be addressed herein, annealing andembossing. First, annealing is a special process (which is wellunderstood by those skilled in the annealing art) that materiallyassists in relieving plastic (such as polyethylene) stresses, typicallyby slowly heating and then by slowly cooling the plastic POG 1 below itstransition temperature, or softening point/temperature. Annealing thePOG 1 provides more strength and durability than otherwise available viasimple molded/manufactured traditional plastic gloves, but annealing isboth time consuming and costly, which is contra to client/user lowpricing and affordability objectives. Annealing will be discussed inmore detail hereinafter in FIG. 3 .

Embossing (the second material process being addressed herein) is aprocess that raises, and increases the height of, portions of the basicand primary plastic POG 1 material. A basic and primary preferredun-embossed plastic material POG 1 thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07mm can withstand dotted, or the like, embossing without significantlyjeopardizing POG 1 material strength. Dotted/raised dots, raisedlines/ribbing, or the like, embossing is preferred for a POG 1, as itincreases gripping abilities for the POG 1 client/consumer whilesimultaneously reducing slippery POG 1 surface concerns, which is one ofthe primary safety and utility objectives of the subject hand/armrelated POG 1 designs. Embossing is relatively inexpensive and is highlyadvantageous for a POG 1 client/user, and will be further discussed inmore detail hereinafter in FIG. 4 .

The POG 1 with the outer perimeter expanded area 11 is shown herein witha strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 (such as cloth, fiber,cotton, paper, or the like) that has been temporarily attached aroundthe arm 15, beneath the POG 1, before the POG 1 is to be used. Thestrip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 preferably a minimum width ofabout two inches (50.8 mm), and a minimum thickness of about one-eighthinch (3.175 mm). The strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 isplaced around the arm 15, in a full three hundred and sixty degreecircular manner, at a position between the anticipated location of theopen distal end 17 of the installed/applied POG 1 and any bandagingand/or casting 10, or other area to be protected (such as a PIC 13, orthe like).

After the strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 has beentemporarily attached around the arm 15, a second stretchable TPU band20, or the like, is preferably placed around, and on top of, thetemporarily placed strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 so as tosecure same in place around the arm 15 before the POG 1 isinstalled/applied. The second stretchable TPU band 20, or the like,placed over and around the temporary strip/layer of water-absorbentmaterial 19 helps to keep the water-absorbent material 19 firmly andsnugly against the skin (skin is not separately shown as same is wellunderstood by those skilled in the art) and to keep the water-absorbentmaterial 19 from otherwise sliding and/or slipping loose and therebyaccidently permitting water/liquid/dirt intrusion into the bandagingand/or casting 10 and/or other protected area, which intrusion wouldfoul the entire purpose of the POG 1.

While a strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 could be permanentlypre-attached to the inner surface of the POG 1 near the open distal end17, this is not preferable as this would both disadvantageously increasePOG 1 manufacturing costs, and would inhibit preferable abilities tofrequently re-use the POG 1 whenever desired, since such a permanentattachment of the a strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 wouldrequire cleaning and/or drying out periods after POG 1 use over unknowntimes, depending on how dirty and/or wet the strip/layer ofwater-absorbent material 19 became after each POG 1 use. To thecontrary, simply attaching a new, temporary, clean, and already dry,strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 to one's arm 15 whenever thePOG 1 is desired to be utilized, is both easy to do and significantlyreduces POG 1 initial costs to the consumer.

After the water-absorbent material 19 has been temporarily attachedaround the arm 15 and secured in place with the second stretchable TPUband 20, or the like, and then, after the POG 1 is installed/applied foruse, what is herein shown as a third stretchable TPU band 21, or thelike, should preferably be placed around the exterior of theinstalled/applied POG 1 in a location directly over the water-absorbentmaterial 19. This will insure a full and snug fit of the water-absorbentmaterial 19 around the arm 15, and so as to eliminate any potentialsmall open areas between the arm 15 and the water-absorbent material 19where moisture and/or dirt could get through to the area to beprotected, such as bandaging and/or casting 10, or such as IVs 12 and/orPICs 13, or the like.

While the stretchable TPU bands, 18, 20, and 21, described hereinabovecould optionally be comprised of other materials, TPU bands arepreferable since they eliminate latex allergy concerns, since they arestretchable, since they provide appropriate tension, since they areresilient, and since they may be repeatedly utilized. While a string, astrip of plastic, a Velcro strip, or the like, could be utilized as asecuring/compression means material, a stretchable TPU band, such as 18,20, and 21, is preferable because it retains tension over both theexterior of the POG 1 and the underlying water-absorbent material 19,whereas a string, a strip of plastic, a Velcro strip, or the like, isnot self-tightening and can more easily loose tension during use witharm movement and/or muscle flexing, and therefore more easily permitwater/liquid/dirt intrusion into the POG 1 and past the water-absorbentmaterial 19.

The water-absorbent material 19 may optionally be comprised of a foldedstring of dry paper towels, multiple wraps of dry toilet tissue, drycloth, or the like, so long as the dry water-absorbent material 19completely encircles the arm 15 in a location between the distal openend 17 of the POG 1 and the bandaging/casting 10, the IV 12, the PIC 12,or the like. As related, the water-absorbent material 19 wouldpreferably be comprised of a minimum width of two inches (50.8 mm), andhave a minimum thickness of one-eighth inch (3.175 mm).

Also, either prior to or after applying the third stretchable TPU band21 securing/compression means around the exterior of the POG 1 directlyover the water-absorbent material 19 around the arm 15 within the POG 1,it is preferable to tightly pull each of the three extended segments, 2,3, and 4, of the POG 1 tightly down so as to be as close as possible tothe extreme far end tips of each finger, 6, 7, 8, 9, and thumb 5. Afourth stretchable TPU band, or the like, 22 is then preferablyimmediately placed completely around the exterior of the POG 1 in alocation as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (anybandaging/casting 10 permitting). This tight pull of the POG 1 helps tokeep the far end tips of one's fingers 6, 7, 8, 9 and thumb 5 extendedinto the POG 1 as far as reasonably possible, so as to improve grippingability and dexterity.

Here, the POG 1 is not shown in a position of yet being finally tightlypulled down over the end tip of the bandaged/cast 10 fourth finger 9;over the end tips of the other three fingers, 6, 7, and 8; and over theend tip of the thumb 5; all so as to demonstrate adequate room remainsavailable for other and additional potential bandaging/casting, eventhough other and additional such potential bandaging/casting is notshown herein. Pulling each of the three extended segments, 2, 3, and 4,of the POG 1 tightly down as close as possible to the extreme far endtips of each finger, 6, 7, 8, 9, and thumb 5 (whether or notbandaged/cast 10), and then immediately applying/placing the fourthstretchable TPU band 22 completely around the exterior of the POG 1 in alocation as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14(bandaging/casting 10 permitting) would be generally well understood.

As shown herein, all TPU stretchable bands, or the like, 18, 20, 21, and22, are shown in a stretched position so as to be positioned withinand/or around the top view of a POG 1. When actually applied, the TPUstretchable bands, 18, 20, 21, and 22, would respectively have lesserdiameters so as to more tightly fit around the arm 15 and/or wrist areaof the hand 14. Further, all TPU stretchable bands, or the like, 18, 20,21, and 22, described herein should preferably have an un-stretchedwidth of five to ten mm, an un-stretched length of between ninety to onehundred and ten mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between one tothree mm, and have a length stretch-ability to at least three hundred mmlong without breaking, as well as all being UV resistant and capable ofwithstanding temperatures of at least one hundred and ten degrees F.

Sample preferable POG 1 use instructions, absent any item numberdesignations, are comprised as follows:

-   -   1. First, wrap dry water-absorbent cloth, a small dry hand        towel, dry paper towels, or similar dry material, completely        around a portion of your bare arm that is above the        bandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when the glove        is applied, the water-absorbent material will be completely        covered by, and fully within, the upper portion of the glove.        The water-absorbent material must be at least, and preferably        greater than, two inches (50.8 mm) wide and one-eighth inch        (3.175 mm) thick. Use one of the enclosed specially designed        stretchable bands (a first band) to secure the water-absorbent        material in place around your bare arm prior to glove        application.    -   2. Second, carefully place the glove completely over the        bandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as well        as completely over the water-absorbent material wrapped        completely around your bare arm.    -   3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from your finger and thumb        tips (within the three respective prongs) to a point past the        underlying water-absorbent material: then place another one of        the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second        band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is as        close as possible to your wrist. This will help provide improved        gripping ability by eliminating longer than necessary floppy        ends of the three prongs. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE        AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid        tearing        any portion of the plastic glove.    -   4. Fourth, place another one of the enclosed specially designed        stretchable-bands (a third band) over the exterior top portion        of the glove that is directly over the water-        absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension        band        directly over and completely around the water-absorbent material        that is wrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of        the glove. This will help to catch any water and/or dirt that        may get        through the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glove        before it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY        CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as        to avoid tearing        any portion of the plastic glove.

FIG. 2 is a top view, not drawn to any scale, of a protective Post-OpGlove (POG) 1 with preferable standard adult-sized dimensions designatedin millimeters (mm) between numbered arrowed lines.

The designated POG 1 dimensions, as shown herein, would be respectivelyand appropriately reduced for smaller sized applications (such as forchildren for example), and would be respectively and appropriatelyincreased for larger-sized applications.

A sufficient maximum overall completed POG 1 length, for example, so asto accommodate most adult persons would preferably be comprised of adistance of 80 centimeters (cm), or 800 millimeters (mm), plus or minus1 mm to 150 mm, as shown by arrow 30, is sufficient to cover mostindividuals. The said 800 mm is the distance between the top of thefirst two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1 ) and the bottom of thePOG 1.

Within the said preferable maximum overall POG 1 length of 800 mm, asshown by arrow 30, which affords adequate length for most broken arms,broken elbows, and for most PICs, a 3 cm, or 30 mm, plus or minus up to1 to 10 mm portion, as shown by arrow 31, in POG 1 length shouldpreferably be provided in order to make a loop (shown as 23 in FIG. 1 )at the distal open end perimeter (shown as 17 in FIG. 1 ) of the POG 1,which loop would encase a stretchable band (shown as 18 in FIG. 1 ),such as a TPU stretchable/constrictive band, to be used for initialsecuring of the distal open end perimeter of the POG 1 around one's arm(not shown herein as an arm is well understood by most everyone). Here,the loop containing the stretchable band, as well as the sealed end ofthe loop (shown as 24 in FIG. 1 ) are all shown as being stretched tothe full POG 1 width of 210 mm, as shown by arrow 32.

A sufficient POG 1 width below the finger segments (shown as 3 and 4 inFIG. 1 ) and extending the full length of the POG 1, so as toaccommodate most adult persons, would preferably be comprised of a widthof 21 centimeters (cm), or 210 millimeters (mm), plus or minus 1 mm to 5mm, as shown by arrow 32.

A sufficient width for the upper portion of the extended prong/segmentfor the thumb (shown as 2 in FIG. 1 ) would be 40 mm, as shown by arrow42, at the tip of the thumb segment, before the rounded thumb segmenttip end. A sufficient width for the thumb prong/segment at its midpoint63, opposite of the location of where the top portion of the thumbsegment intersects with the side of the POG 1, is 60 mm, as shown byarrow 33. The distance between the top of the thumb segment, where thethumb segment intersects with the side of the POG 1, and the bottom ofthe extended prong/segment for the first two fingers (shown as 3 in FIG.1 ) closest to the thumb segment (shown as 2 in FIG. 1 ) is 65 mm, asshown by arrow 34.

The distance between the base of the upper rounded portion of the thumbsegment (shown as 2 in FIG. 1 ) to the bottom of the extendedprong/segment for the first two fingers (shown as 3 in FIG. 1 ) is 65mm, as shown by arrow 41. The distance from the top portion of the thumbsegment to the bottom portion of the thumb segment, where the thumbsegment extends from the POG 1, would preferably be 90 mm, as shown byarrow 39. The remaining distance between the lower portion bottom of thethumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG 1, and thebottom/base of the POG 1 is 560 mm, as shown by arrow 40.

A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the first twofingers (shown as 3 in FIG. 1 ) would be 109 mm, as shown by arrow 35,near the base of the first two finger segment.

The first two finger segment extends upwardly 65 mm on its right side,as shown by arrow 36, on the side closest to the top of the thumbsegment, to the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the firsttwo finger segment” 48, which is also the lowermost ending point 50 ofthe “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48.

The first two finger segment then extends another 20 mm, in a totalvertical distance, as shown by arrow 37, upwardly along its largestrounded top portion 48, from the base of the “largest rounded topportion of the first two finger segment” 48 to the uppermost startingpoint 49 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two fingersegment” 48.

The total distance from the bottom 46 of the first two finger segment(shown as 3 in FIG. 1 ), which bottom is shown by a dashed line 46, tothe uppermost top of the first two finger segment, is 85 mm, as shown byarrow 38.

The first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1 ) has a totaluppermost top width of 55 mm, as shown by arrow 43, extending from theleft side closest to the prong segment for the second two finger segment(shown as 4 in FIG. 1 ), to the end of the said 55 mm width, which endis at the uppermost starting point 49 of the “largest rounded topportion of the first two finger segment” 48.

The horizontal width, between the uppermost starting point 49 of the“largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48 and thelowermost ending point 50 of the “largest rounded top portion of thefirst two finger segment” 48, is 54 mm, as shown by arrow 44.

The upper left portion of the first two finger segment (shown as 3 inFIG. 1 ), on the side next to the third and fourth (little) fingersegment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1 ), has a rounded segment with abottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width, as shown by arrow45.

There is a gap width of between 1 mm and 10 mm, as shown by arrow 47,between the first two finger segment and the second two finger segmentwith a preferable rounded gap bottom.

The third and fourth (little) finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1 ),also herein referred to as the second two finger segment (shown as 4 inFIG. 1 ), has a maximum width of 100 mm, as shown by arrow 51, and has amaximum length of 80 mm, as shown by arrow 52, from its bottom 46 to itsuppermost top 53, which uppermost top 53 is also herein shown as theuppermost starting point 53, of its “largest rounded top portion of thesecond two finger segment” 54.

The “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54has a width of 50 mm, as shown by arrow 55, but with the 50 mm width 55being rounded between its uppermost starting point 53 and its lowermostending point 56.

The width of the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1 ),between the uppermost starting point of its largest rounded top portionand its far-right side next to the first two finger segment (shown as 3in FIG. 1 ), is 50 mm, as shown by arrow 57.

The upper right portion of the second two finger segment (shown as 4 inFIG. 1 ), on the side next to the first finger segment (shown as 3 inFIG. 1 ), has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mmand 10 mm in width, as shown by arrow 58.

The distance between the uppermost top of the first two finger segment(shown as 4 in FIG. 1 ) and the bottom of the POG 1 is 795 mm, as shownby arrow 59.

The distance between the bottom of the POG 1 and the bottom 46 of thesecond finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1 ) is 715 mm, as shown byarrow 60.

The distance between the bottom 46 of the second finger segment (shownas 4 in FIG. 1 ) and the lowermost ending point 56 of the “largestrounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 is 55 mm, asshown by arrow 61.

The second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1 ) extends 25 mm, ina total vertical distance upwardly, along its largest rounded topportion 54 from the lowermost ending point 56 of the “largest roundedtop portion of the second two finger segment” 54 to the uppermoststarting point 53 of the “largest rounded top portion of the second twofinger segment” 54, as shown by arrow 62.

All of the above-said POG sizing dimensions would be/is proportionatelyreduced for smaller/children, and would be/is proportionately increasedfor larger adult sizes.

FIG. 3 , not drawn to any scale, shows a simulated un-annealed POG 1segment 25, which is weaker, adjacent to a simulated annealed segment26, which is stronger.

As explained hereinabove, under FIG. 1 's detailed description as anexample, it is important that a POG 1 is comprised of a basic virginpolyethylene material (for both medical/allergy safety purposes, forreliably good quality, and for material recycling purposes, etc.).However, if the basic polyethylene material has a thickness of less than0.05 mm, while the curing and drying time on the manufacturing mold isrelatively short, it is subject to being more easily torn on casting, orthe like, and is less likely to be repeatedly used. Therefore, it ispreferable that any polyethylene material with less than a 0.05 mm wallthickness be annealed 26 to increase its strength and/or usefulness.

Annealing 26 is a special process (which is well understood by thoseskilled in the annealing 26 art) that materially assists in relievingand/or minimizing residual stresses in plastic and in removing any chainorientation, typically by first slowly heating and then by slowlycooling the plastic below its transition temperature, or softeningpoint/temperature. However, annealing 26 is time-consuming and addsadditional POG 1 costs, which is counter-productive to the objective ofproviding a good, but relatively low-cost, POG 1 to the consumer.

While a POG 1 polyethylene material thickness greater than 0.07 mm couldpossibly be strong enough to withstand easily being torn without beingannealed, as mentioned hereinabove, a material thickness greater than0.07 mm disadvantageously requires both more polyethylene material and alonger curing and drying time on the POG1 manufacturing mold, and istherefore disadvantageously costlier to the consumer. Thus, whileannealing 26 is a possible option for a thinner POG 1 polyethylenematerial, due to the additional more significant time and costsinvolved, annealing 26 is not a preferable option.

FIG. 4 shows a simulated un-embossed POG segment 27, which provideslesser gripping abilities (more prone to slipping), adjacent to asimulated dotted/raised dot embossed POG segment 28, which affordsenhanced gripping abilities (less prone to slipping). An optional raisedlines/ribbing embossing POG segment 29 is also shown as an example ofother embossing designs, which affords enhanced gripping abilities (lessprone to slipping).

As explained hereinabove in FIG. 3 , annealing requires relativelysignificant additional POG 1 processing time (slowly heating thepreferable POG 1 polyethylene material generally to a certaintemperature at/near its softening point, and then slowly cooling thepolyethylene material) and increased POG 1 production costs. However, asingle embossing, 28 or 29, procedure, absent any annealing, enhancesboth POG 1 strength and gripping abilities, as well as maintainsrelatively low POG 1 pricing and enhanced consumer affordability, asembossing, 28 or 29, is much less time-consuming and costly thanannealing.

While embossing, 28 or 29, a POG 1 material will increase its heightfrom bottom to top, the original un-embossed thickness should preferablyhave a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm. Optionally, anoriginal and un-embossed wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.065 mmwill typically be sufficient and will also advantageously save somesmall amount of curing and drying time on the POG 1 manufacturing mold.

While the term embossing, 28 or 29, can have many meanings andapplications (typically referring to raised lettering), as used herein,the term embossing 28 and 29 is referring to a dotted type 28 ofembossing and/or to a raised lines/ribbing type 29 of embossing, whichenhances tear resistance and gripping abilities via the elimination ofan otherwise smooth and slippery POG 1 surface, especially when wet. Adotted type embossing 28 may generally be preferred, but a raisedlines/ribbing type embossing 29 may also optionally be utilized, as wellas any other type of embossing which is not shown herein, but whichwould be well understood by those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective Post-Operative Glove (also calledand referred to as a “Post-Op Glove” and as a “POG”) that has threeextended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with asecond extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb,and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers, with thethree respective segments each being large enough to accommodatebandaging and casting of the affected digit, together with an opendistal end glove securing means to prevent most water and/or dirtintrusion into the area to be protected, together with a secondarywater/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means to prevent minor amounts ofwater/liquid/dirt that might get through the initial open glove distalend securing means from reaching the bandaging/casting and/or other areato be protected within the glove itself.
 2. The POG of claim 1 where thePOG material is comprised of a virgin polyethylene material with a wallthickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm.
 3. The POG of claim 2 wherethe original wall of the POG is embossed.
 4. The POG of claim 1 wherethe POG's open distal end securing means is comprised of a looped overmaterial end segment with a first stretchable band enclosed within theloop.
 5. The POG of claim 4 where the first stretchable band iscomprised of a TPU band, or the like, which band has an un-stretchedwidth of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, anun-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a lengthstretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPUband is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110degrees F.
 6. The POG of claim 1 where the secondary water/liquid/dirtintrusion protection means is comprised of a water-absorbent materialwith a minimum width of two inches (50.8 mm), and with a minimumthickness of one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) that is wrapped completelyaround a portion of the arm in a location between the open distal end ofthe glove and the area to be protected, with a second TPU band, or thelike, being placed directly over and completely around the appliedwater-absorbent material, which second TPU band has an un-stretchedwidth of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, anun-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a lengthstretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPUband is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110degrees F.
 7. The POG of claim 6 where, after the water-absorbentmaterial has been applied, and where after the TPU band has been wrappedaround the water-absorbent material, the POG is installed/appliedcompletely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, anIV, a PIC, or the like, a third TPU band, or the like, is installed overand completely around the exterior of the POG in a location that isdirectly over the water-absorbent material, now on the inside of thePOG, and where the third TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wallthickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to atleast 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistantand can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.
 8. The POG ofclaim 1 where, either before or after the POG has been applied/installedover completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging,casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, the POG is pulled tightly down sothat each of the three respective extended segments of the POG 1(containing the fingers and the thumb) are as close as possible to theextreme far end tips of each finger and thumb, and then where a fourthstretchable TPU band, or the like, is immediately placed completelyaround the exterior of the POG in a location as close as possible to thewrist area of the hand 14 (any bandaging/casting 10 permitting), andwhere the where the TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, anun-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wallthickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to atleast 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistantand can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.
 9. The POG ofclaim 1 where POG use instructions are as follows:
 1. First, wrap drywater-absorbent cloth, a small dry hand towel, dry paper towels, orsimilar dry material, completely around a portion of your bare arm thatis above the bandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when theglove is applied, the water-absorbent material will be completelycovered by, and fully within, the upper portion of the glove. Thewater-absorbent material must be at least, and preferably greater than,two inches (50.8 mm) wide and one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) thick. Use oneof the enclosed specially designed stretchable bands (a first band) tosecure the water-absorbent material in place around your bare arm priorto glove application.
 2. Second, carefully place the glove completelyover the bandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as wellas completely over the water-absorbent material wrapped completelyaround your bare arm.
 3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from yourfinger and thumb tips (within the three respective prongs) to a pointpast the underlying water-absorbent material: then place another one ofthe enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second band) overthe exterior top portion of the glove that is as close as possible toyour wrist. This will help provide improved gripping ability byeliminating longer than necessary floppy ends of the three prongs. Whenfinished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLEBAND, so as to avoid tearing

any portion of the plastic glove.


4. Fourth, place another one of the enclosed specially designedstretchable-bands (a third band) over the exterior top portion of theglove that is directly over the water-

absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension band

directly over and completely around the water-absorbent material that iswrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of the glove. Thiswill help to catch any water and/or dirt that may get

through the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glove

before it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY CAREFULLYPLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearing

any portion of the plastic glove.
 10. A protective Post-Operative Glove(also called and referred to as a “Post-Op Glove” and as a “POG”) thathas three extended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb,with a second extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to thethumb, and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers, withthe three respective segments each being large enough to accommodatebandaging and casting of the affected digit, together with an opendistal end glove securing means to prevent most water and/or dirtintrusion into the area to be protected, together with a secondarywater/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means to prevent minor amounts ofwater/liquid/dirt that might get through the initial open glove distalend securing means from reaching the bandaging/casting and/or other areato be protected within the glove itself: where the POG material iscomprised of a virgin polyethylene material with a wall thickness ofbetween 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm; where the original wall of the POG isembossed; where the POG's open distal end securing means is comprised ofa looped over material end segment with a first stretchable bandenclosed within the loop; where the first stretchable band is comprisedof a TPU band, or the like, which band has an un-stretched width of 5 to10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretchedwall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-abilityto at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UVresistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.;where the secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means iscomprised of a water-absorbent material with a minimum width of twoinches (50.8 mm), and with a minimum thickness of one-eighth inch (3.175mm) that is wrapped completely around a portion of the arm in a locationbetween the open distal end of the glove and the area to be protected,with a second TPU band, or the like, being placed directly over andcompletely around the applied water-absorbent material, which second TPUband has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length ofbetween 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long withoutbreaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstandtemperatures of at least 110 degrees F.; where, after thewater-absorbent material has been applied, and where after the TPU bandhas been wrapped around the water-absorbent material, the POG isinstalled/applied completely over the area to be protected, such asbandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, a third TPU band, or thelike, is installed over and completely around the exterior of the POG ina location that is directly over the water-absorbent material, now onthe inside of the POG, and where the third TPU band has an un-stretchedwidth of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, anun-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a lengthstretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPUband is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110degrees F.; where, either before or after the POG has beenapplied/installed over completely over the area to be protected, such asbandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, the POG is pulled tightlydown so that each of the three respective extended segments of the POG 1(containing the fingers and the thumb) are as close as possible to theextreme far end tips of each finger and thumb, and then where a fourthstretchable TPU band, or the like, is immediately placed completelyaround the exterior of the POG in a location as close as possible to thewrist area of the hand 14 (any bandaging/casting 10 permitting), andwhere the where the TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, anun-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wallthickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to atleast 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistantand can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.; and where POGuse instructions are as follows:
 1. First, wrap dry water-absorbentcloth, a small dry hand towel, dry paper towels, or similar drymaterial, completely around a portion of your bare arm that is above thebandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when the glove isapplied, the water-absorbent material will be completely covered by, andfully within, the upper portion of the glove. The water-absorbentmaterial must be at least, and preferably greater than, two inches (50.8mm) wide and one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) thick. Use one of the enclosedspecially designed stretchable bands (a first band) to secure thewater-absorbent material in place around your bare arm prior to gloveapplication.
 2. Second, carefully place the glove completely over thebandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as well ascompletely over the water-absorbent material wrapped completely aroundyour bare arm.
 3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from your fingerand thumb tips (within the three respective prongs) to a point past theunderlying water-absorbent material: then place another one of theenclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second band) over theexterior top portion of the glove that is as close as possible to yourwrist. This will help provide improved gripping ability by eliminatinglonger than necessary floppy ends of the three prongs. When finished,VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as toavoid tearing any portion of the plastic glove.
 4. Fourth, place anotherone of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a third band)over the exterior top portion of the glove that is directly over thewater-

absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension band

directly over and completely around the water-absorbent material that iswrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of the glove. Thiswill help to catch any water and/or dirt that may get

through the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glove

before it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY CAREFULLYPLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearing

any portion of the plastic glove.
 11. The POG of claim 1 where the POGhas the following dimensions: i. The POG maximum length, between the topof the first two finger segment and the bottom of the POG, is 800 mm,plus or minus 1 mm to 150 mm. ii. The loop width, where the POG's opendistal end securing means is comprised of a looped over material endsegment with a first stretchable band enclosed within the loop, is 30mm, plus or minus 1 mm to 10 mm. iii. The POG width is 210 mm, plus orminus 1 mm to 5 mm. iv. The width for the upper portion of the extendedprong/segment for the thumb is be 40 mm at the tip of the thumb segment,before the rounded thumb segment tip end, and the width for the thumbprong/segment at its midpoint, opposite of the location where the topportion of the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG 1, is60 mm. v. The distance between the top of the thumb segment, where thethumb segment intersects with the side of the POG, and the bottom of theextended prong/segment for the first two fingers closest to the thumbsegment is 65 mm. vi. The width for the first two finger segment is 109mm vii. The first two finger segment extends upwardly 65 mm on its rightside, on the side closest to the top of the thumb segment, to the baseof the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”.viii. The first two finger segment extends 20 mm, in a total verticaldistance upwardly along its largest rounded top portion from the base ofthe “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” to theuppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of thefirst two finger segment”. ix. The total distance from the uppermost topto the bottom of the first two finger segment is 85 mm. x. The distancefrom the top portion of the thumb segment to the bottom portion of thethumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG, is 90 mm.xi. The distance between the lower portion bottom of the thumb segment,where the thumb segment extends from the POG, and the bottom/base of thePOG is 560 mm. xii. The distance between the bottom/base of the firsttwo finger segment and the bottom of the POG is 715 mm xiii. The widthof the upper portion of the thumb segment before the rounded tip end ofthe thumb segment is 40 mm xiv. The first two finger segment has a totaluppermost top width of 55 mm, extending from the left side closest tothe prong segment for the second two finger segment to the end of thesaid 55 mm width, which end is at the uppermost starting point of the“largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”. xv. Thehorizontal width, between the uppermost starting point of the “largestrounded top portion of the first two finger segment” and the lowermostending point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two fingersegment”, is 54 mm. xvi. The upper left portion of the first two fingersegment, on the side next to the third and fourth (little) fingersegment, has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mmand 10 mm in width xvii. There is a gap width of between 1 mm and 10 mmbetween the first two finger segment and the second two finger segmentwith a preferable rounded gap bottom. xviii. The maximum width of thethird and fourth (little) finger segment is 100 mm. xix. The maximumlength of the third and fourth (little) finger segment, also referred toherein as the second two finger segment, is 80 mm. xx. The width of the“largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” is 50 mm,but is rounded between its uppermost starting point and its lowermostending point. xxi. The width of the second two finger segment betweenthe uppermost starting point of its largest rounded top portion and itsfar-right side, next to the first two finger segment, is 50 mm. xxii.The upper right portion of the second two finger segment, on the sidenext to the first finger segment has a rounded segment with abottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width xxiii. The distancebetween the uppermost top of the first two finger segment and the bottomof the POG is 795 mm xxiv. The distance between the bottom of the POGand the bottom of the second finger segment is 715 mm. xxv. The distancebetween the bottom of the second finger segment and the lowermost endingpoint of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two fingersegment” 54 is 55 mm. xxvi. The second two finger segment extends 25 mm,in a total vertical distance upwardly, along its largest rounded topportion from the lowermost ending point of the “largest rounded topportion of the second two finger segment” to the uppermost startingpoint of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two fingersegment.
 12. The POG of claim 11 where all of the said POG sizingdimensions would be/is proportionately reduced for smaller/children, andwould be/is proportionately increased for larger adult sizes.